| Model year | 2006 |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLS500 |
| Style | N/A |
| Base MSRP | $64,900 |
| As-tested MSRP | $73,190 |
| Drive type | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Engine type | V8 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 5.0 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 302 @ 5,600 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 339 @ 2,700 |
| Transmission type | 7-Speed Automatic |
| Suspension, front | Independent air suspension w/ stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, rear | Independent air suspension w/ stabilizer bar |
| Steering type | Speed sensitive power rack and pinion |
| Tire brand | N/A |
| Tire model | N/A |
| Tire size, front | 275/35R18 |
| Tire size, rear | 275/35R18 |
| Brakes, front | 4-wheel disc w/ ABS and brake assist |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 3.9 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 6.2 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 9.0 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 14.70 @ 98.6 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 29.50 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 116.53 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 62.1 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 36.7 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | Low |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 72 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 68 |
| Acceleration comments | Considering the CLS500's hefty curb weight and relatively small displacement V8, it has plenty of power and comes off the line hard under full-throttle acceleration. We noted slight stability control intervention at launch, and turning the ESP system off netted a slight improvement in 0-60 times. Upshifts were very positive and occured right at redline. |
| Braking rating | Excellent |
| Braking comments | The big Benz stops quickly and confidently with minimal front end drive or other drama. We didn't feel any ABS noise or vibration, and fade was a non-issue. The brake assist system worked flawlessly and seamlessly, we didn't notice anything during hard stops. These numbers are outstanding for a heavy full-size sedan. |
| Handling rating | Excellent |
| Handling comments | This car is amazingly agile for a large luxury cruiser. Steering is quick and precise, and suspension damping is excellent when set to "Sport 2" mode. Torque and low-end power were plentiful when pulling out of the final cones in third gear, and the shiftable automatic works well. |
| Elevation (ft.) | Not Tested |
| Temperature (°F) | Not Tested |
| Wind (mph, direction) | Not Tested |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 16 City 22 Highway |
| Edmunds observed (mpg) | N/A |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | N/A |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 4,050 |
| Length (in.) | 194 |
| Width (in.) | 73.7 |
| Height (in.) | 54.7 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 112.4 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 41.2 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 35 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 36.9 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 36.1 |
| Seating capacity | 4 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 15.8 cu. ft. |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | 15.8 cu. ft. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | Lifetime |
| Free scheduled maintenance | N/A |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard |
| Head airbags | Standard |
| Antilock brakes | Standard |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Standard |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
| Rollover protection | Standard |
| Emergency assistance system | Standard |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Not Tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Not Tested |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | Not Tested |
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